A Shared Call for Justice, Reform, and National Rescue

SSFDA Statement

7 June 2025

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On the Letter by Hon. Juol Nhomngek Daniel: A Shared Call for Justice, Reform, and National Rescue

The South Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance (SSFDA) acknowledges with respect and solidarity the powerful and courageous statement issued by Hon. Juol Nhomngek Daniel, Member of Parliament for Cueibet County, Lakes State, and senior figure within the SPLM-IO.

His words reflect not only the painful truth of our present reality, but also the shared outrage and determination that unite many South Sudanese across political lines. SSFDA commends his principled stance in calling for the immediate release of H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and recognizes this message as a patriotic act in defense of our nation’s future.

We agree with Hon. Juol that South Sudan is no longer governed in the interests of its people. The paralysis of national institutions, the erosion of checks and balances, and the reckless concentration of power in unelected hands have plunged the country into dangerous disarray. The SPLM-IG's detention of political leaders—most notably Dr. Riek Machar—is not only illegal and provocative, but a symptom of the regime’s increasing detachment from both peace and reality.

SSFDA shares three essential convictions with Hon. Juol:

1. The crisis in South Sudan is political, not criminal. It demands a political solution grounded in dialogue, accountability, and constitutional legitimacy—not detentions, silence, or foreign-inspired repression.

2. The Revitalized Agreement remains the most comprehensive framework for peace, reform, and national rebuilding. Rather than being sidelined or dismantled, it must be implemented in full and expanded to include those who were previously excluded—peacefully, inclusively, and without fear.

3. Uganda, as a guarantor, has failed its responsibilities. The export of militarized governance and selective interference violates both the letter and spirit of its mandate. As Hon. Juol rightly warned, this approach undermines peace in South Sudan and destabilizes the region.

A Path Forward Together

At SSFDA, we do not see ourselves as rivals to SPLM-IO or any genuine opposition body. We see ourselves as partners in the historic responsibility to rescue South Sudan from collapse, and to establish a new federal, democratic, and just system—where no leader is above the law, and no citizen is beneath dignity.

We are also very pleased to note that the movement is growing by the day. In particular, SSFDA welcomes the increasing number of SSPDF generals who are silently but decisively joining our ranks—men and women of conscience who recognize that South Sudan cannot be rescued through loyalty to a failing order, but only through unity and principled leadership. The insights and strategic perspectives we have received—especially from our Dinka generals and senior officers—have been invaluable in shaping a truly inclusive and patriotic movement.

This is not about tribes. It is not about factions. It is about South Sudanese uniting to reclaim their future.

We therefore extend an open hand to Hon. Juol Nhomngek Daniel and all reform-minded South Sudanese across parties, movements, and communities:

Let us coordinate our efforts—legally, strategically, and morally.

Let us speak with one voice to the region and the world: detaining Dr. Riek Machar, like silencing any opposition voice, is a betrayal of the peace we all sacrificed for.

Let us stand together as a united front, grounded in shared values: justice, federalism, civilian rule, and the restoration of national dignity.

South Sudan does not need new warlords. It needs a new social contract. And that contract cannot be signed behind bars or under the shadow of foreign guns.

We welcome all brothers and sisters—SPLM-IO, holdout groups, civil society leaders, youth, elders, and those within government now disillusioned—to join us in this mission.

History is watching. So is our suffering people.

Signed,

South Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance (SSFDA)